Riverfront Legacy, Towering History, and Cultural Unity
Hilir Perak District, situated in southwestern Perak, is centered around the historic town of Teluk Intan, once a key river port and tin trading center. The district today is a peaceful, semi-urban zone, known for its heritage buildings, agricultural economy, and the iconic Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan.
Formation and Historical Background
- Formed: During the British colonial administration, Teluk Intan (formerly Teluk Anson) became a major port along the Perak River
- Renamed in 1982 from Teluk Anson to Teluk Intan, aligning with local Malay identity
- Developed as a trading and administrative center, it attracted diverse communities—Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Eurasian
- Home to the famous Leaning Tower, built in 1885 as a water storage facility and clock tower
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| District Name | Hilir Perak District |
| State | Perak |
| District Capital | Teluk Intan |
| Area | Approx. 1,118 sq. km |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 240,000 |
| Local Authority | Majlis Perbandaran Teluk Intan (MPTI) |
Administrative Subdivisions (Mukim / Zones)
- Teluk Intan Town – Administrative and commercial center
- Langkap – Agricultural and plantation zone
- Changkat Jong – Suburban area with industrial and educational zones
- Kampung Gajah & Batak Rabit – Traditional Malay settlements
- Hutan Melintang & Bagan Datuk border – Fishing and paddy farming communities
Government and Notable Figures
| Position / Role | Name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| President of Teluk Intan Municipal Council (MPTI) | Encik Ahmad Sazali bin Abdul Rahman | Local authority head |
| District Officer (DO) | Tuan Haji Mohd Rizal bin Mohd Hanapiah | District administration |
| Member of Parliament (MP – Teluk Intan) | YB Nga Kor Ming | Deputy Speaker & Senior DAP leader |
| State Assemblymen (ADUN – Changkat Jong) | YB Mohd Azhar bin Jamaluddin | Represents rural areas |
| Local Historian | Encik Lee Ban Chen | Writer and guardian of tower heritage |
Key Towns and Areas
- Teluk Intan – Urban center, historic sites, food scene
- Langkap – Rubber, palm oil, and cottage industries
- Changkat Jong – Growing township, schools, clinics
- Hutan Melintang – Fishing town, wet markets
- Kampung Gajah – Traditional Malay villages and mosques
Economy & Livelihood
- Agriculture:
- Oil palm, rubber, fruits, chili, paddy
- Fisheries & Aquaculture:
- Coastal and river fish farms, shrimp, ikan bakar
- Retail and Traditional Markets:
- Wet markets, small grocery, night bazaars
- Small Industries:
- Food processing (keropok, kuih), furniture, tofu making
- Tourism:
- Driven by heritage, tower visits, river activities
Education & Institutions
- Public and private schools
- Technical colleges and religious institutions
- Tahfiz schools and vernacular education (Tamil, Chinese)
- Islamic learning hubs and community centers
Healthcare Facilities
- Hospital Teluk Intan – Major government hospital
- Clinics in Langkap, Hutan Melintang, and rural areas
- Private clinics and women’s health centers
Transport & Connectivity
- Road access via Federal Route 58 and Route 70
- Buses and taxis connect to Ipoh, Sabak Bernam, and Klang Valley
- Close to Bagan Datuk and Perak River ferry transport
- Plans underway to improve eco-tourism transit infrastructure
Tourism & Attractions
- Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan – Iconic structure, open for visitors
- Perak River Cruises – Fireflies, sunset rides, mangroves
- Hock Soon Temple, St. Anthony’s Church, Masjid Sultan Idris II
- Heritage Trail – Colonial shophouses, clock tower, museums
- Local food trails – Market stalls, traditional bakeries, kuih lapis
Culture & Local Cuisine
- Strong Chinese and Malay community base, with Indian presence
- Must-try dishes:
- Mee Rebus Teluk Intan, Apom Balik, Kuih Lapis, Popiah, Laksa
- Cultural highlights:
- Lunar New Year celebrations, Maulidur Rasul, Thaipusam
- Traditional arts & crafts preserved through local NGOs
Summary
Hilir Perak District is a charming blend of history, harmony, and humble livelihoods. From the leaning tower’s legacy to the quiet pulse of kampung life, this district invites visitors and locals alike to experience authentic Malaysia by the river.